This study explores the actual situation of communication during the Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic in the South Asia and Middle East region. The purpose is to assess the effect of the limited visitor policy during the COVID-19 pandemic, on the pattern of interaction of critically ill patients to their kin/ guardian and doctor-family members communication. Primary objective of this study are as follows: 1. Explore the changes in communication pattern with limited contact during the COVID-19 pandemic. 2. Assess the methods of informed consent in Intensive care units (ICUs) during the same period
An observational, cross-sectional, web-based questionnaire survey, with multi-centre involvement across hospitals in the South Asia and middle-east region. The questionnaire consists of two sections. Section one obtains information from participants regarding communication and visiting practices in ICU during pre-COVID-19 era, and the Section two obtains information regarding the policy changes if any during the COVID-19 pandemic in regards to safety of healthcare workers (HCWs) and public. In order to obtain the largest representation of South Asia and Middle East ICUs, a network of research doctors as facilitators from each country is created. The role of the facilitators is to contact and recruit adult ICUs within their country. Each facilitator contacts the hospitals (public and private), creating a network of collaborating doctors/nurses (participants) from those hospitals who expressed their willingness to participate. Data collection: a web based Google Forms with online access will be used Only one entry per ICU will be collected during the study. Statistic analysis: a descriptive analysis is planned for the general characteristics of the participating units and the study population.
Study Type
OBSERVATIONAL
Enrollment
296
policies on communication and informed consent in ICU
NMC Specialty Hospital
Dubai, United Arab Emirates
Changes in the pattern of family members visiting process
Using a questionnaire the changes in visiting policy for family members or friends will be recorded from last year (before COVID-19 pandemic). This will include, visiting policy, visiting hours and their change after pandemic at the time of study (November 2020).
Time frame: 12 months
Changes in process of communication between health care workers(HCWs) and family members
Through a questionnaire, the process of communication between HCWs and family members or friends before pandemic (November 2019) and November 2020 will be recorded. This will include the responsible HCW for communication, place of communication and method of communication (in person versus electronic)
Time frame: 12 months
Changes in process of informed consent in ICU
Through a questionnaire, the process of informed consent for procedures and end of life (EOL) or do not attempt to resuscitation (DNAR) in ICU will be collected and its change in last 12 months (from November 2019 to November 2020)
Time frame: 12 months
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